Book Review: Becoming Beth by Meredith Appleyard

 Becoming Beth

by

Meredith Appleyard

 

She's remembered the truth about her own life... what happens now?

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

 

Publication date: 7th September 2022

 

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

 

Pages: 418

 

RRP: $32.99AUD Paperback

 

Source: Beauty & Lace Book Club

 

My review of Becoming Beth

 

This review first appeared on the Beauty & Lace Book Club 

 

Becoming Beth is a story about finding yourself after major life upheavals and moving on.

 

Beth is in her 50's and back at her childhood home after an unexpected marriage breakdown. She has left her job and needs time to mourn not only her marriage but also decades of old hurt and the loss of her mother after a severe stroke.

 

I loved that Meredith has given her readers an older character having to start over in life. Beth is living with her elderly father however he is not frail and is quite able to care for himself and Meredith Appleyard touches on the stigma of mature children living at home with their parents unless they are a carer.

 

Becoming Beth is set during the pandemic with mentions of lockdowns, social distancing and disinfectant spray. These were all a part of our lives for so long and I liked that it was included in the novel rather than setting it during a previous year. I think I am now ready to read books with covid restrictions affecting families with parents dying, no visitors, no funeral. I couldn't have done that a year ago.

In Becoming Beth Meredith Appleyard highlights problems faced by small country towns with fundraising to maintain community halls. I loved how the townsfolk all worked together and helped each other. The whole book had a lovely community feel with people of all ages working together for the good of the community. 

 

Meredith Appleyard portrays the heat of an Australian summer with ease. I breezed through this book, it was such an immersive story with just the right amount of drama and a couple of mysteries running through it.

The only thing I would have liked a bit more of was the romance element.

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 

About the author

 

Meredith Appleyard lives in the Clare Valley wine-growing region of South Australia, two hours north of Adelaide. As a registered nurse and midwife, she has worked in a wide range of country health practice settings, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service. She has done agency nursing in London and volunteer work in Vietnam. After her first manuscript was rejected, she joined a writers' group, attended workshops and successfully completed an Advanced Diploma of Arts in Professional Writing with the Adelaide College of the Arts. And she kept working. When she isn't writing, Meredith is reading, helping organise the annual Clare Writers' Festival, or at home with her husband and her border collie, Daisy 

Book Review: Dark Deeds Down Under - A Crime & Thriller Anthology

Title: Dark Deeds Down Under

Author: Various 

Editor: Craig Sisterson

Publisher: Clan Destine Press 

Publication date: 1st July 2022

Genre: Crime / Anthology

Pages: 340

RRP: $11.99AU (eBook)

Format: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Dark Deeds Down Under

 

Dark Deeds Down Under is an anthology of fictional titles of mystery, murder and mayhem. Twenty-one short stories from some of the top names in Australian and New Zealand crime fiction.

"a stunning smorgasbord of stories, styles and settings" - Craig Sisterson editor

 

Many of the authors I had read before and I enjoyed their familiar writing style and the use of characters from well known series.

I love that anthologies have something for everyone and Dark Deeds Down Under is no exception, there is mystery, suspense, edge of your seat drama, humour and unexpected twists. Twenty-one short stories that can be enjoyed at your leisure - perfect holiday reading.

I was amazed how, even in these short stories, some authors managed remarkable characterisation. I had a few favourites and among them were Fiona Sussman's Hiding Something; where a grieving dad picks up a hitchhiker, a chance meeting that will change both their lives and Mr Pig by Stephen Ross; narrated by a friendless thirteen-year-old girl left with her curmudgeon father after her mother goes missing. The twists in these two stories really appealed to my sense of humour.

Dark Deeds Down Under is a superb showcase of Australian & New Zealand crime fiction with something for every taste.

 

My rating 4.3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⅓ (averaged over 21 stories) 

Authors included in this anthology

Alan Carter ~ Nikki Crutchley ~ Aoife Clifford ~ Garry Disher ~ Helen Vivienne Fletcher ~ 
Lisa Fuller ~ Sulari Gentil ~ Kerry Greenwood ~ Narrelle M Harris ~ Katherine Kovacic ~ 
Shane Maloney ~ RWR McDonald ~ Dinuka McKenzie ~ Lee Murray & Dan Rabarts ~ 
Renee ~ Stephen Ross ~ Fiona Sussman ~ Vanda Symon ~ David Whish-Wilson

 
 

Book Review: The Butterfly Collector by Tea Cooper

Title: the Butterfly Collector

Author: Tea Cooper

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 3rd November 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 400

RRP: $32.99AU

Format: paperback

Source: Better Reading Preview 

My review of The Butterfly Collector

1868 – Theodora is more interested in her art than finding a husband and when her three sisters go to Sydney she stays behind on the family property in Morpeth. A chance sighting of a new species of butterfly starts Theodora on a quest to find its nesting place.

 

1922 - Verity is from a long line of journalists and when an anonymous invitation to a socialite ball arrives she sees this as an opportunity to write an article for the local newspaper. Connections she makes at the ball lead back to her grandfather's home of Morpeth and a fifty-year-old mystery.

Tea Cooper blends fact and fiction to deliver a story that is rich in intrigue and wonderfully immersive.
The Butterfly Collector is a dual timeline Historical Fiction set in1868 Morpeth in country NSW and 1922 Sydney, NSW. I enjoyed all the mentions of Sydney landmarks that still stand to this day. As the story evolves connections are made between the characters from each timeline.
Tea keeps the pages turning with a layering of mysteries. The mysteries hold you for a few chapters then once they are revealed a new mystery is created causing a continuous aura of mystery throughout the book. There is also an underlying sense of foreboding and I always had this feeling that something terrible was going to happen.
 

Centred around the first sighting of the Wanderer butterfly in Australia, the newspaper industry and baby farms, Tea Cooper has seamlessly delivered a story that is diverse in its content and impossible to put down.
Tea Cooper’s trademark strong female characters take centre stage in this multi-layered tale of friendship and tenacity.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Tea Cooper writes Australian contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.

 

            

 

 

 

Book Review: Keeping Up Appearances by Tricia Stringer

 In a small country town, better bury your secrets deep....

Title: Keeping Up Appearances

Author: Tricia Stringer

Publisher: Harlequin Australia 

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 464

RRP: $32.99AUD

Format: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Keeping Up Appearances 

 

Single mother of three, Paige, is hiding from extended family and is hoping to fly under the radar in the small town of Badara.

 

Marion has been busy trying to build community spirit with exercise classes and a Celebrate Badara festival but the planned opening of a time capsule could destroy everything when long buried secrets work their way to the top.

Briony Hensley's grown children all have their lives together and Briony is smug with her perfect family. There would be no gossip around town about the Hensleys! Small towns do tend to gossip and for many keeping up appearances is imperative.

I do love Tricia Stringer's writing style however I felt the subject explored in Keeping Up Appearances was a little outdated. I wondered if people really do think like that in this day and age!

I loved the town of Badara, wonderfully drawn and filled with caring people who looked out for each other. The little spats between the townsfolk came across as real. There are lots of fun moments in Keeping Up Appearances such as the exercise class Marion is trying to promote, the family picnic for the sports club, the Op shop ball organised for the Celebrate Badara Festival and I can't forget the opening of the time capsule which was really quite funny but devastating for poor Marion.

Keeping Up Appearances has strong themes of kindness, forgiveness and acceptance. It is a story that will leave you contented and is garnering a multitude of five star reviews.

Even though I thought all the problems were wrapped up a bit too quickly and nicely at the end it is a feel good story and Tricia Stringer did deliver the feels.

My rating 3 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Tricia Stringer is a bestselling Australian author of contemporary fiction and rural romance.

Tricia grew up on a farm in country South Australia and has spent most of her life in rural communities, as owner of a post office and a book shop, as a teacher and librarian, and now as a full-time writer. She lives in the beautiful Copper Coast region with her husband, Daryl. From there she travels and explores Australia's diverse communities and landscapes, and shares this passion for the country and its people through stories.

 

Book Review: The Furphy Anthology 2021

 Selected Short stories from 

THE FURPHY LITERARY AWARD

 

Title: The Furphy Anthology 2021

Author: Various

Publisher: Heads & Tales

Publication date: 1st December 2021

Genre: Various

RRP: $35.00AU

Pages: 216

Format: Hardcover

Source: Courtesy of DMCPRMedia

 

My review of The Furphy Anthology 2021

 

I loved the cover of this anthology; Sixteen jewels from the literary world.

 

These sixteen quintessentially Australian short stories with coastal, rural, desert and small-town settings are like a snapshot in time; leaving the before and after up to the readers imagination. 

I really enjoy anthologies and find most have a connecting theme that help the stories to  flow into each other. Although I don't think these short stories had a suggested theme they all felt connected in their Austalianness. There is something about each story that screams Australia, whether it be the seclusion of location, the atmosphere, the language, or the characters themselves, it seemed to permeate each story without being openly stated.

 

There are stories of young people feeling trapped, neglected children, test-tube meat, love, loss and disconnectedness. 

My favourite story was about a teenaged boy wanting to escape a small country town filled with racism, bigotry, dysfunctional families and drugs but family obligations keep holding him back.

"Everyone thinks everyone else is the problem; everyone gives their opinion; and everyone thinks someone else should fix it."

 

With stories from a wide variety of genres I am certain there will be something in this collection that will resonate with all readers. 

Beautifully presented in hardcover format The Furphy Anthology 2021 would make an excellent gift idea. 

 

My rating 4.31 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⅓ (averaged over the 16 stories)

 

About the Furphy Literary Award

 

The Award is named in honour of Australian writer Joseph Furphy, who wrote under the pen name Tom Collins and published Such is Life in 1903. Originally established in 1992, the Furphy Literary Award was relaunched as a national prize in 2020.

The Open Category is for short stories 5000 words or less with $20,000 prize money up for grabs. There are also four Junior/Youth categories, open to people from the greater Shepparton area in Victoria.

Visit their website to learn more about the awards: https://www.furphystory.com.au/furphy-literary-award/

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The Vet's Country Holiday by Lily Malone

 Even though The Vet's Country Holiday is book 4 in the Chalk Hill series it reads perfectly as a stand alone. I've been reading the books out of order and have no problem with knowing what's going on. Some characters pop in and out of other books and there may be small spoilers but nothing major.

 

One by-the-numbers accountant plus one irrepressible city girl equals one tricky equation

 

Title: The Vet's Country Holiday

Author: Lily Malone

Series: Chalk Hill #4

Publisher: Harlequin Mira

Publication date: 30th March 2022

Genre: Contemporary / Rural Romance

Pages: 373

RRP: $29.99AU

Format: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of The Vet's Country Holiday

Lily Malone's The Vet's Country Holiday was just the book I needed to get me out of a reading slump.

I raced through the story and loved everything about it. The small town of Chalk Hill in country Western Australia is instantly appealing with its beautifully described scenery and friendly townsfolk. 

Isabella Passmore is house sitting, and dog sitting, for Taylor and Abe while the have a much deserved holiday.

Isabella (Izzy) would have to be my most favourite character ever. She's a bit awkward and is always getting herself into sticky situations which was quite humorous, but mostly I loved her kind outspokenness. She gently forces people to open up and she's not afraid to speak her feelings.

Accountant Elliot Fields is back in Chalk Hill to help his parents with the financial side of their new cafe and water ski business. A years old tragedy has caused Elliot to close himself off from everyone, including his family but Izzy is not going to let him get away from expressing his most feared thoughts.

Izzy and Elliot were perfect together! Their relationship started out as fun as they were both only in Chalk Hill for a short time and knew they had a life and job to go back to.

The Vet's Country Holiday is a story about openness, forgiveness and moving on. It is full of fun and laugh out loud moments but it also brought a tear to my eye on occasions.

Lily's ability to take a real life event and expand on it with the 'what ifs', to show how different life may have been, highlights her exceptional story telling ability.

The Vet's Country Holiday is funny, engaging and heartwarming. A story bursting with country charm.

If you are after a story to captivate and delight, you can't go past The Vet's Country Holiday.

 

My rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Lily Malone is a journalist and freelance writer who discovered after years of writing facts for a living, writing romance was much more fun.

Lily juggles writing with the needs of a young family, and when she isn’t writing, she likes gardening, walking, wine, and walking in gardens (sometimes with wine).

 
 

Book Review: The Castaways of Harewood Hall by Karen Herbert

The Castaways of Harewood Hall

by

Karen Herbert

 

a devilish dog, a curious cat and skulduggery in the basement...

 

Publisher: Fremantle Press

Publication date: 1st September 2022

Genre: Crime / Mystery

Pages: 216

RRP: $32.99AU

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

My review of The Castaways of Harewood Hall

Harewood Hall is a retirement village home to an eclectic group of residents who believe retirement from paid work doesn't mean retirement from life.

The narrative switches between some of the residents of the village, the manager, staff member Josh and even the resident cat, Harley, gets his point of view in this humorous and quirky tale.

Kind-hearted Josh rescues some research mice and hides them in Harewood Hall basement. Manager Fiona diligently deals with residents concerns about tree trimming, a spike in water usage and an unsafe retaining wall. Drama abounds when some residents decide to fix things themselves. Paul is the mediator, Martin the fixer and Joyce the organiser.

The Castaways of Harewood Hall is a delightful, light read bursting with a whole cast of likeable characters all with their own quirks and pet projects.

The mystery tends to take second stage to the goings on of the characters, human and non human.

I loved Harley's (the cat) point of view as he wandered from resident to resident, aloof but also a huge part of the village.

Missing money, mysterious deliveries  and a couple of red herrings make this novel an entertaining read. In Harewood Hall nothing goes unnoticed.

I've read a couple of retirement village novels that were hugely entertaining but unbelievable with the over-the-top high-jinks. Harewood Hall is tremendously engaging and believable.

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Karen Herbert has worked in age care, disability services, higher education, Indigenous land management, social housing and the public sector, and is a board member of The Intelife Group, Advocare Inc., and President of the fellowship of Australian Writers WA. Born in Geraldton, Karen now lives in Perth with her husband.

 
 

Book Review: The Proxy Bride by Zoë Boccabella

 The Proxy Bride

by

Zoë Boccabella 

 

Imagine marrying someone you've never met.....

 

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

Publication date: 7th September 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 432

RRP: $32.99AUD

Format read: Paperback

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of The Proxy Bride

 

The Proxy Bride is a dual timeline narrative with the present day set in 1984 and the historical side starting from 1939 and continuing through the second world war.

 

Many men who immigrated from Italy to Australia and started farming in country towns had no chance of meeting a prospective wife so arrangements were made with their family back home to send a bride. It wasn't proper for unmarried women to travel alone so the women were married by proxy and then sent by ship to a man and a land they had never seen. This is how Gia and Taddeo became husband and wife.

Sixteen-year-old Sofie spends the school holidays at her grandmother nonna's house in rural southern Queensland. Sofie was sullen and reticent, taken from all her friends in Brisbane, and she wasn't going to go easy on Gia, her nonna. Sofie's characterization was perfect and I could easily imagine a 16 year old sulking over having to spend the holidays with her grandmother. As the two spend time together cooking (all the recipes are in the back of the book) they start to talk and Sofie learns Gia's story. Her life, her loves and her tragedies.

This story was quite emotional as Gia describes her arrival in Australia, how the Italian community were spurned by locals, the atrocities that happened during WWII, the men interned and women left to fend for themselves.

There is also a mystery surrounding Sofie's father, a secret that has followed Sofie all her life and a topic her mother refuses to talk about.

The Proxy Bride is brimming with family and love and the food that ties it all together. Boccabella highlights the volatility of the fruit growing industry, raging prejudices during the 1940's, forbidden love and the strength and perseverance of the women who came to call Australia home.

There is much to love in Zoë Boccabella's latest novel.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Zoë Boccabella is an Australian author who writes fiction and non-fiction and whose books have been much-acclaimed, shortlisted for both popular and literary awards and sold internationally. Her writing is influenced by her migrant ancestry, spoken histories and recipes handed-down, alongside travels in Europe and Australia. She lives in Brisbane, Australia.

 

 

Book Review: The Tilt by Chris Hammer

The Tilt 

by

Chris Hammer 

 

THE DARKEST SECRETS LIE CLOSEST TO HOME 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 5th October 2022

Series: Ivan Lucic & Nell Buchanan #2

Genre: Crime Fiction

Pages: 488

Format read: Uncorrected Paperback

Source: Courtesy of Better Reading Preview

 

My review of The Tilt

  

The Tilt is another atmospheric and well crafted novel by bestselling Australian author Chris Hammer.  

Set on the NSW/Victorian border Hammer’s descriptions of the area, the forests, creeks, isolation and tranquillity are beautifully written, immersing the reader in the setting.

 

Tulong may be a small town where everyone knows each other but small town secrets can be buried for decades.

The story takes off at a fast pace as a man is being pursued through the forest and a woman plans to sabotage a dam. These two mysteries are at the back of your mind throughout the book.
 

Recently promoted to Homicide, Nell Buchanan is given a cold case when a skeleton is unearthed near her old home town. With long held feuds and family secrets this case could be closer to home than Nell could ever have imagined!
 

The story is told through multiple narrative styles; Jimmy Waters statement running from his childhood in the 40’s to the 70’s, Tess Waters in 1973 and the present day investigation by Nell. I enjoyed each era of the story; Jimmy’s childhood attending the cattle and supporting his family while his father was at war and Tessa’s story in 1973 was so quintessentially 70’s, the cars, the music, the language. It was all so spot on!
 

The mysteries build throughout with a few unexpected twists to round off an excellent read. The Tilt is the second Nell Buchanan novel however reads well as a standalone.  

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Chris Hammer is a leading Australian author of crime fiction. His first book, Scrublands, was an instant bestseller when it was published in mid-2018. It won the prestigious UK Crime Writers Association John Creasy Award for a debut crime novel in 2019 and was shortlisted for various awards in Australia and the United States.

Scrublands has been sold into translation in several foreign languages and is being developed for television. His follow up books - Silver (2019), Trust (2020) and Treasure & Dirt (2021) - are also bestsellers and all have been shortlisted for major literary prizes.

Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years, dividing his career between covering Australian federal politics and international affairs. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents with SBS TV, while in Canberra, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for Fairfax.

Chris has also written two non-fiction books The River (2010) and The Coast (2012). He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Charles Sturt University and a master's degree in international relations from the Australian National University.

 

 

Book Review: The Night Fisher Elegies

 The Night Fisher Elegies

by

Dean  Mayes

 

Stories, Verse and Reflections 

 

Publisher: Hambeldown Road Imprints

Publication date: 1st September 2022

Genre: Anthology

Pages: 226

Format read: eBook

Source: Courtesy of the author

My review of The Night Fisher Elegies

 

Dean Mayes' The Night Fisher Elegies is an emotive and candid collection of essays and verse

 

An elegy: a pensive or reflective poem that is usually nostalgic or melancholy 

 

Mayes' writing is beautifully descriptive, at times calm and heartfelt whilst at other times emotional, confronting and raw.

 

Through these short stories and verse Mayes reflects on feelings of disconnection, loss, suffering and grief. There are also nostalgic memories from is childhood filled with love and life changing moments.

 

Dean Mayes is an extremely talented and diverse writer and I found his latest, The night Fisher Elegies, to be a powerful and reflective read.

 

content warning: suicide

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Dean Mayes is an Intensive Care Nurse who is fascinated by philosophy and paranormal, so his stories weave an element of magical realism with deep humanism. His first novel The Hambeldown Dream was published in 2010 by Central Avenue Publishing and his subsequent novels Gifts of the Peramangk, The Recipient & The Artisan Heart continue his relationship with Central Avenue Publishing.

He grew up in Melbourne, Australia and now lives in Adelaide with his wife, Emily, his children, Xavier & Lucy, and his writing partner - a 10 year old spaniel named, Sam.

Dean loves outdoor cooking, anything to do with Star Wars and (insanely) long-form podcats.

 

 

Book Review: Red Dust by Fleur McDonald

 Red Dust

by

Fleur McDonald

An outback novel of love, intrigue and redemption

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

 

Publication date: 1st January 2009

 

Genre: Rural Fiction

 

Pages: 330

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: own purchase

 

My review of Red Dust

 

I'm a huge fan of Fleur McDonald however I came into her books over halfway through her writing career. So I thought it was way beyond time I started on Fleur's back list.

 

Red Dust is her debut novel and although not as polished as her later novels it was still a great read. I found some of the conversations a bit stilted and the point of view was all over the place however I was drawn straight into the story from the opening chapter with a dying man's ominous last words. 

McDonald has written a riveting rural crime novel centred around cattle stealing but also featuring the difficulties faced by woman farmers and the isolation of farm life.

After her husband's tragic death Gemma is left with a farm to run and a mountain of rising debts. As she goes through the farm accounts and the town gossip heats up, Gemma starts to wonder if she really knew her husband at all.

I always laugh and comment that Fleur isn't adverse to killing off a much loved character and after reading Red Dust I can say even from her debut novel Fleur liked to kill off characters that I've warmed to. 😂

I loved that this was Dave Burrows first appearance. He is just a side character here so there is nothing of his personal life. He is just there to investigate the cattle stealing and be awesome. 

A small romance thread runs through the story and after all the drama and suspense it's nice to end on a HEA.

 

 My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Photo credit:goodreads

 Fleur McDonald has lived and worked on farms for much of her life. After growing up in the small town of Orroroo in South Australia, she went jillarooing, eventually co-owning an 8000 acre property in regional Western Australia.

Fleur likes to write about strong women overcoming adversity, drawing inspiration from her own experiences in rural Australia. She has two children, an energetic kelpie and a Jack Russell terrier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links to my reviews of Fleur's books (not in order).

 

Deception Creek 

Red Dirt Country 

Rising Dust

The Shearer's Wife

Something to Hide 

Without a Doubt 

 

*I read this book as part of the Mount TBR Challenge (on my shelf 19/4/2017)

Book Review: The River Gum Cottage by Leonie Kelsall

 The River Gum Cottage

by

Leonie Kelsall

 

Bestselling author of The Farm at Peppertree Crossing

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

 

Publication date: 5th July 2022

 

Genre: Rural Romance

 

Pages: 448

 

RRP: $29.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Beauty and Lace Book Club

 

My review of The River Gum Cottage

 

Lucie returns home after a four year estrangement, devastated that her father's sudden death means the rift between them will now, never be healed. But on returning she may also lose the thing she holds most dear; her daughter.

 

Jack is concerned that he will lose all he has worked for now his business partner has died.

 

I've thoroughly enjoyed Leonie's previous books and The River Gum Cottage was no exception. It reads well as a standalone but I loved that familiar characters from previous books came in and out of the story.

The story kept me fully immersed with jaw-dropping twists that had me turning the pages eagerly hoping that Jack and Lucie would be able to forget the past and look to the future.

The characters were all endearing and their problems realistic. The story put a permanent smile on my face. Kelsall's writing is engaging with vivid descriptions of the scenery, the plants and the animals.

Leonie Kelsall, through The River Gum Cottage, reminds us just how beautiful the Australian environment is. I loved Lucie's use of natural therapies and crystals and Jack's sustainable, eco-friendly farming methods that were also environmentally conscious.

 

Leonie has delivered another book that was an absolute pleasure to read.

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Raised initially in a tiny, no-horse town on South Australia's Fleurieu coast, then in the slightly more populated wheat and sheep farming land at Pallamana, Léonie is a country girl through and through. Growing up without a television, she developed a love of reading before she reached primary school, swiftly followed by a desire to write. Pity the poor teachers who received chapters of creative writing instead of a single page!

Léonie entertained a brief fantasy of moving to the big city (well, Adelaide), but within months the lure of the open spaces and big sky country summoned her home. Now she splits her time between the stark, arid beauty of the family farm at Pallamana and her home and counselling practice in the lush Adelaide Hills.

 

 

Book Review: Gone to Ground by Bronwyn Hall

Gone to Ground

by

Bronwyn Hall 

Hunted. Alone. Afraid....

Publisher: Harlequin Australia

 

Imprint: HQ FictionAU

 

Publication date: 3rd August 2022

 

Genre: Thriller / Suspense

 

Pages: 288  

 

RRP: $29.99AUD 

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of Gone to Ground

 

Set amidst the political unrest of The Democratic Republic of Congo Gone to Ground is an adrenaline fuelled race through the jungle.

 

Australian doctor Rachel Forester has been sent to a remote jungle post on the whim of a scorned ex-boyfriend. As a dedicated surgeon she is happy to be saving lives. When the post is evacuated she puts her patients' lives ahead of hers and stays behind to evacuate on foot with three UN soldiers.

 

Bronwyn Hall brings the jungle to life; the heat, insects, spiders and snakes all had me holding my breath. Throw in some close encounters with rebel militias and there was always this ominous 'what will happen next' feeling keeping me glued to the book.

 

Rachel was tough but believable as a civilian trekking through the jungle and I loved the addition of the romance element, it was a nice aside to the danger.

With themes of forced child labour, violence towards women, rebel militia activity and political unrest the narrative has a foreboding sense of unease that simmers throughout the novel. 

 

The story moves along at a steady pace with the plot keeping me totally intrigued and turning the pages. Gone to Ground is a book I truly didn't want to put down.

 

Bravo, Bronwyn Hall, on this remarkable debut!

 

My rating 5 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  

About the author

 

Photo credit: Harper Collins

Bronwyn Hall didn't intend on being a writer. Her career has been spent working in health and community services, spanning aged care, disability and mental health. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature (and Psychology - for the day job) and she comes from a family of passionate readers. Born and bred in Australia, Bronwyn has a love for new cultures and environments, having lived for several years in both Papua New Guinea and Brazil. She is deeply intrigued by the extraordinary breadth of qualities that make up the complex creatures called humans - not least, their quiet conquering of adversity. Bronwyn lives and writes on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne, Australia.

 

Book Review: The School by Brendan James Murray

 The School: The ups and downs of one year in the classroom

by

Brendan James Murray

One teacher. One school. One year.

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

 

Imprint: Picador Australia

 

Publication date: 25th May 2021

 

Genre: Non-Fiction / Biography 

 

Pages: 416

 

RRP: $ 34.99AUD

 

Format read: Paperback

 

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

My review of The School

 

Brendan James Murray has been a high school teacher for over a decade. In The School he combines students and events from his vast teaching career into one year at a Government high school situated on the Victorian coast.

 

Murray includes moments from his own life as a student filled with self doubt and bullying as the story moves from present day to his own days at school. His obvious affection for his students shines through as he talks about a myriad of students that come and go through his teaching life and the ones that made a lasting impression. 

 

I didn't agree with all of Murray's thoughts on the education system but I must admit I was nodding along to many of his words.

 

Highly recommended reading for all teachers and parents of teenagers. Adolescence is a hard road and for some teens their teachers are the only positive role models they have. It was encouraging to read about a teacher who is so passionate about his role, not only as a teacher but also as a mentor to these children.

 

The School is an insightful and, at times, heart-wrenching account of life in a secondary school. 

 

My rating 4 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Photo credit: Yanni

Brendan James Murray is an award-winning author and teacher. He has twice received National Literary Awards from the Fellowship of Australian Writers for his short stories, and his first book The Drowned Man, was joint winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best True Crime in 2017. His second book, the critically acclaimed Venom, was featured in the ABC's Conversations program as part of the 'Best of 2018' series. He lives in the Mornington Peninsula with his wife, who is also a teacher.